image: NASA's Aqua satellite collected this natural-color image with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS, instrument on Sept. 5, 2013. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. view more
Credit: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team, GSFC. Caption by Lynn Jenner with information from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.Inciweb.org">Inciweb.org</a> and Reuters.
The Rim Fire, now three weeks old, is still burning through Yosemite Forest. The blaze, thought to have been started by a hunter's illegal fire, has consumed over 246,000 acres of land. At present, this fire is 80% contained and is expected to be fully contained by September 20, 2013, over a month since it first began.
According to Inciweb.org: "Fire activity is expected to intensify Friday as unburned areas within control lines are consumed on the Rim Fire. Hotter and drier weather conditions will persist through Sunday increasing the chance of spotting of embers across containment lines."
To date this fire has cost close to $85 million. Over 5,000 personnel have had a hand in fighting this fire, and six persons have been hurt during the operation. It is not known at this time whether or not charges will be brought against the hunter who allegedly started the fire.
Fire managers say they expect the blaze to continue burning for several more weeks, and warned that a resumption of gusty winds "could challenge containment lines."
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NASA's Aqua satellite collected this natural-color image with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, MODIS, instrument on September 05, 2013. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz LANCE/EOSDIS MODIS Rapid Response Team, GSFC. Caption by Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb.org and Reuters